I would like to add my voice to the seemingly rather large number of other developers who feel disillusioned by this latest proposal.
The Consortium has long been the figurehead of a dream; that of an interoperable co-operative network of information. With this in mind I strive to mark up information in such a way as to be totally consistant with the latest W3C recommendations. I engage in lively discussions about your standards. I try to make my pages accessible so that anyone, anywhere is able to obtain free software to read, hear or touch my pages.
Information on the world wide web has always been diverse, the only groups excluded being neo-luddites and people who are unable to obtain the relevant hardware/software/connectivity. But now you risk alienating the Free Software community. And that, I feel, is important.
I'm a devout believer in the use of free software where there is a free alternative, and in the production of free software where there is no free alternative. If the web's `official standards' exclude free software and it's advocates, I would be highly disappointed. You must see the parallel with excluding Muslims (or any religious group), barring at the door.
The power of W3C standards is in the eyes of the developers, RAND may taint all it touches. Please don't let American capitalist policy sway the world in this, of all ways (aswell).
Thankyou for your time, and effort. May the Informed Public guide you :-)
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